Thompson enjoys USC's leading quarterback role

Boiling Springs product Dylan Thompson finally has a grip on the starting quarterback job at South Carolina after serving as a backup for the majority of his four-year career.

By MATT CONNOLLYmatthew.connolly@shj.com

COLUMBIA — Boiling Springs product Dylan Thompson finally has a grip on the starting quarterback job at South Carolina after serving as a backup for the majority of his four-year career.His first opportunity with the title of the Gamecocks' unquestioned starter came Saturday afternoon at Williams-Brice Stadium in USC's spring game.The senior impressed, leading the Black team to a 28-10 victory over the Garnet in front of a crowd of 36,412. Thompson completed 8 of 11 passes for 129 yards and a score while leading the Black to a touchdown in all three of his drives.Thompson said it was more enjoyable going through spring practice and the spring game knowing that he is now the guy at quarterback for the Gamecocks.“It's been a lot of fun. Last year was different because I felt like it's got to be a big play soon or I'm not going back in sometimes,” Thompson said. “This year it's a different ballgame. I've just got to move the chains and get first downs. That's what we're trying to do and I think we're doing a pretty good job of it so far.”Thompson's touchdown pass came on USC's traditional off-the-bench play, when a receiver runs off the sideline and is wide open in the end zone.This year the pass went to USC women's basketball coach Dawn Staley, who hauled in the 30-yard score and celebrated with a snow angel dance.“I think the best play of the spring game had to be the catch by wide receiver Dawn Staley,” coach Steve Spurrier said. “(Thompson) put it in the air 40 or 45 yards or so and Dawn made an excellent catch and got down with it. That was probably the highlight play.”Thompson said he knew the play was coming and was nervous when it was called.“That was the most nervous I've ever been throwing a pass,” Thompson said. “Basketball and football is a different game so I was like, 'Should I throw it hard or soft?' She said, 'Just throw it. I've got gloves on.' I was happy she caught it.”While Thompson enters the season as USC's starter, the backup job is still up for grabs.Connor Mitch, Perry Orth and Brendan Nosovitch are all battling for the spot, and Spurrier said he will let the three battle it out this summer and fall.“We may not make a decision until it's time for somebody to go in besides Dylan,” Spurrier said. “The guy standing closest to me might get to go in.”Mitch was 7-for-10 for 108 yards, and Nosovitch was 4-for-11 for 97 yards for the Garnet squad. Neither quarterback had a turnover.For the Black, Orth completed 6 of 10 passes for 86 yards with an interception, and Austin Hails' only attempt fell incomplete.Starting running back Mike Davis carried twice for 13 yards before leaving the game. Backup running back Brandon Wilds had three carries for 12 yards, and fellow backup Shon Carson made one catch for 37 yards before exiting with a shoulder injury.Spurrier believes Carson's shoulder is cracked but is hopeful he will be ready to go this fall.Redshirt freshman David Williams had seven carries for 35 yards and scored a touchdown for both the Garnet and Black squads.“Mike's looking to have a big year, and Brandon Wilds is running. Shon should be back, and David Williams had some nice runs,” Spurrier said.The South Carolina defense was limited with what it was allowed to call in the game as it only played basic coverages and could not blitz. Still, defensive coordinator Lorenzo Ward's unit forced two turnovers and recorded eight tackles for loss.Skai Moore forced a fumble, which was recovered by Chris Moody, and Jamari Smith made an interception.Ward said he has been around long enough that he understands how Spurrier wants the spring game to go but joked that some of his assistants were not as understanding.“It's probably harder on my assistant coaches. They don't really understand. This is my sixth spring with Coach Spurrier so I understand what this is about,” he said. “I understand what the game is about, and we want to make sure our fans are happy when they leave here. They want to see points on the board.”